3 Tips and a Podcast - When it's time to break down and buy a car

Do your homework, and land a great deal!

One of the most expensive things you'll ever buy in your life, a house and a CAR. Buying a new car can be terrifying to a lot of people. It's a big decision for something that you will be relying on EVERY DAY to get to your job, to school, everywhere! We live in such a spread out society that NOT having a car isn't an option - unless you're one of those "downtown only" types who sold their car and rides their bike everywhere. Buying a car can be scary, but what would you say if I told you that it doesn't have to be such a scary process?

HIM: "It's the key to my heart!" HER: "I'm dating a moron."

You might be wondering - how, Riggs? HOW!???

Three quick things to keep in mind, before we get to the podcast...

1. KNOW YOUR BUDGET!! Be realistic on what you can afford. Use a "car payment" calculator and work with numbers until you find a PRICE of a car that you can afford. Don't get too focused on the monthly payment. A big mistake people make it working towards a cheaper payment, but this oftentimes means a longer term loan...add to that the interest, and you'll start getting upside down REALLY fast...that means you owe more than what your car is worth. Know how much you can spend and don't budge on it - especially if you already have other outstanding debts like credit cards/student loans/medical bills.

"Sorry, but I never trust a salesman with a pony tail."

2. DO YOUR RESEARCH!! The internet makes it easier than ever with websites like Cars.com / Edmunds / Cargurus that allow you to sort by car type, mileage, price, color, everything! It's best to know what you want - then go see it! Walking into a dealership blindly can be dangerous if you don't know what you want, and ESPECIALLY if you didn't do tip #1... Knowing what you want will allow you to tell the salesperson you know your budget, you know what you want, you don't want what THEY need to sell or what THEY need to get off the lot.

Please don't die on me! I love you, new car!

3. RE READ Tips 1 and 2, then listen to the below podcast. Seriously. Knowing your budget and doing your research will make you feel SO much more at ease walking into a dealership. Trust me, from someone who just went through the process. I found a budget that was comfortable, but could still allow me to take care of my other bills and I researched various models and types of vehicles. I knew what I wanted, I knew what I could spend. I got what I wanted. I got an excellent deal. You can do it too! Trust me.

New Car, who dis?

Check out this podcast I did a few episodes ago. Less than 13 minutes of your time and you'll be ready to get the car you want and you won't break the bank.